The trail on the north side of the lake, as well as the paved trail downstream from the lake, are part of the gerry connolly cross county trail which traverses fairfax county. Recent improvements to the mtb trails have made the singletrack riding more enjoyable, and reduces the. A look back at braddock distric t is a local history, the story of a rural region in the heart of fairfax county, virginia, transformed over time into a sprawling suburb of washington, dc. The fire road and paved loop that goes around the lake, and the hidden mtb trails hiding in the west corner along the railroad tracks. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station.
Resources a look back at braddock distric t is a local history, the story of a rural region in the heart of fairfax county, virginia, transformed over time into a sprawling suburb of washington, dc. The 55acre lake and the 493acre wooded park surrounding it offer. Preparation of a detailed construction cost estimate. In 2016, fairfax county historian mary lipsey, on behalf of friends of lake accotink park flap, initiated a project to document historical aspects of lake accotink park in fairfax county, virginia. Biking and jogging trails northern virginia magazine. May 18, 2009, photos allow you to see the changes wrought by paved trail construction below lake accotink.
Feb 19, 2018 about 200 people attended a meeting on the future of lake accotink park sponsored by supervisors john cook rbraddock district and jeff mckay dlee district on tuesday, feb. This section addresses basic construction standards, beginning with the clearing of trees, brush, and rocks, then establishing the trail foundation and basic trail tread, and continuing into standard methods for surface water control. Lake accotink loop trail mountain bike trail, kings park. This is a popular spot for runners, walkers and people with kids, so keep alert for other users.
Lake accotink park mountain biking trail cesar garcia. The lake accotink trail follows part of the former rail bed of the orange and alexandria railroad, along which soldiers and materials were transported during the civil war. A new section of cross county trail cct has been built between lake accotink and hunters village drive old keene mill road. Lake accotink network is a singletrack mountain bike trail in springfield, virginia. About 200 people attended a meeting on the future of lake accotink park sponsored by supervisors john cook rbraddock district and jeff mckay dlee district on tuesday, feb. Design and construction of an accessible trail and hiking trail system connecting a neighborhood with the town beach.
Map of lake accotink park picnics download our trail map. In 1862, the lake accotink area was a busy place among civil war troops on both sides, with a strategic railroad bridge crossing accotink creek and its proximity to washington and the. Lake accotink trail dog friendly trailsdog friendly trails. New trail construction basic construction standards once the trail is marked and approved, construction can begin. Flap, initiated a project to document historical aspects of lake accotink park in fairfax county, virginia. Lake mansfield conservation forest accessible trail, great barrington, massachusetts 2010. In 1964, lake accotink was declared surplus and put up for auction. Lets get off of the roads and into the woods with altra at lake accotink park. Fairfax county, virginia lake accotink park has miles of trails, all of which are multiuse. Lake accotink park side trails with a naturalist rating.
Photo gallery includes detailed images of the trail, surroundings, and activities. Handbook for trail design, construction and maintenance. Description there are multiple ways to access this trail, including the parks main entrance, offshoot trails in local neighborhoods and the lake accontink access trail. Lake accotink park hiking project hiking trail maps. Plus, altra is kindly coming out with lots and lots of test shoes to run in. Just follow the asphalt path down to the information center. The photos proceed from south to north upstream and are taken facing northward on the trail. To protect the forest habitat, users should stay on established trails and avoid creating new ones. North country trail handbook for trail design, maintenance and construction. Burke lake park is located at 7315 ox road in fairfax station.
Other trails stretch beyond the park and connect to the crosscounty trail, with its running trails and mountain. I love going to lake accotink park for the views of nature and walk. Another highlight of lake accotink trail is the dam at the creek that was built more than 50 years ago and was a frequented fishing spot in the early days. Lake accotink trail springfield 2020 all you need to know. Due to the dramatic changes, some after photos may not exactly match the before in location or angle, but are close. Apr 14, 2016 another highlight of lake accotink trail is the dam at the creek that was built more than 50 years ago and was a frequented fishing spot in the early days. Lake accotink county park midatlantic hiking group. This is not a race, exactly, dont look for race bibs or medals, think more adventure in nature with a clock and snacks at the end. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is dalecarlia reserv which is approximately 11 miles away and has an elevation of 150 feet 37 feet lower than lake accotink park. The freshwater mussel survey commissioned by friends of accotink creek and friends of lake accotink park describes an imperiled resource whose protection the master plan should enhance. Sep 04, 2015 lake accotink park manager julie tahan explained. Lake accotink dam fish kill our stories and perspectives. Cross county trail lake accotink to old keene mill road.
The cross county trail cct utilizes part of the trail system around lake accotink between points 3 and 15 on the above map. Photographs, documents, maps and artifacts amplify these personal experiences and document growth. None of the construction techniques in this document are new. Lake accotink park, springfield mountain biking trails. The walk starts at the lake adjacent to the marina.
The conservation forest was deemed sensitive archeologically so. The memories of more than 50 northern virginia residents are captured in oral histories. There are casebycase exceptions, but every effort should be made to conform to the trail standards when building or rebuilding trail. If you park near the marina, you can head over the wooden footbridge and up the eastern side of the lake, or cross below the dam and up the west side of the lake. Orange and alexandria railroad the story of ravensworth. Dog friendly hiking trails in springfield, va bringfido. Youll find information on hundreds of dog friendly hiking trails in springfield here.
Run watershed by reporting environmental issues at a major construction site. View photos of the lake accotink trail on traillink. Dogs must be leashed and all mess cleaned up after them. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible yearround. This trail is not officially open as of january 20, 2008 but is getting considerable use while still under construction. The next step for the lake will be county staff recommendations on a bond issue to go before the voters in november, 2019. The blockage caused the water level in the stilling basin to rise, which created an inviting pool on the upstream side of the triple culvert under the trail. We can expect the master plan to be complete by 2018, after which any funding would come from the 2020 bond issue. Mountain biking irresponsibly during the covid19 pandemic puts you and others at risk. This is a very challenging trail due to its quick downhilluphill transitions, requiring quick gear changes and an eye for a good line. Historical lake accotink park accotink history home. In addition to trail systems and waterfront activities lake accotink park offers many familyfriendly activities including, picnic areas, class, camps, and special. Look for the cct symbol on the map to determine the trail route.
This makes lake accotink ideal for beginners and experts by providing numerous trail type options. Lake accotink trail hiking trail, kings park, virginia. A 4mile loop trail circles the lake and part of the accotink stream valley, and is popular with bikers and hikers. The terrain is hillier than the main trail around the lake which is mostly flat, with an elevation change of about 100 feet from lowest to highest with many short but steep hills. Riding injuries put unnecessary stress on medical systems that need all available resources to fight the virus, and. Lake accotink in danger of becoming no more fairfax. Best trails in lake accotink park virginia alltrails. The trail ends at the top of the lake accotink dam. To build a turnpike, you border the muddy area with a box of logs, treated lumber e.
At lake accotink there are water fountains, boat rentals, and drink machines. Nov 05, 2017 lets get off of the roads and into the woods with altra at lake accotink park. Generally less than 1 mb each chapter 1 trail history and philosophy. The terrain is hillier than the main trail around the lake which is mostly flat. Save lake accotink petition presented to board of supervisors, june 5, 2018. Shortly thereafter, the reservoir was officially renamed lake accotink. Lake accotink park topo map in fairfax county, virginia. Trailbuilders trail design, pedestrian trail builders. Thanks to all the friends of accotink creek who joined the international coastal cleanup along our 12 adopted stretches of accotink creek in 2019. Lake accotink mountain bike trail, kings park, virginia. We start at the dam at lake accotink, then walk on side trails that most park visitors dont know about.
Its 888 acres feature a 218acre lake with fishing, boating, rowboat rental, campgrounds, a miniature train, a carousel, outdoor volleyball courts, an 18hole par 3 golf course, disk golf, an ice cream parlor and snack bar, picnic areas with grills, playgrounds and a miniature golf course. Lake accotink park mountain bike, hike, trail running trails near springfield, virginia. Aug 04, 2015 fred thanks for guiding me in the park trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This trail is nicely shaded for the majority of this run and it links into others, including the fairfax county connector trail. There are casebycase exceptions, but every effort should be made to conform to the trail standards when building or. Lake accotink network mountain bike trail in springfield. The 500acre park features picnic areas, miniature golf, an antique carousel, a 55acre lake with canoe and kayak rentals and, of course, trails. In addition to walking, biking, hiking and picnicking, this trail offers a great avenue for many other activities such as enjoying the antique carousel as well as miniature golf. A canoe ride or hike around lake accotink in springfield is a summertime staple for many fairfax county residents. Lake accotink park springfield 2020 all you need to. Supervisor cook presented the save lake accotink petition with over 4000 signatures to the board of supervisors on june 5th. Lake accotink in danger of becoming no more fairfax county.
Thanks to all their efforts, we together removed 286 bags of trash, 22 tires, and junk ranging from a microwave oven to an escooter. Some of the most unforgettable and funloving people we have known have worked on trail crews. Lake accotink trail is a 4 mile loop trail located near springfield, virginia and is good for all skill levels. Someone had placed rocks in the sluiceway last week, blocking it enough to prevent water from flowing through the sluiceway. Lake accotink trail running trail, kings park, virginia. To speed construction and minimize cost, in many places the route followed the. Facilities and activities vary by season and include canoe, rowboat and pedal boat rentals, fishing, tourboat rides, a boat launch, bait and tackle sales, a ninegreen double holed miniature golf course, an antique carousel, snack bar, pavilion shelters reservations encouraged, picnic areas with grills, restrooms, and a playground, a 3. There are multiple ways to access this trail, including the parks main entrance, offshoot trails in local neighborhoods and the lake accontink access trail. Fill the box with more large rocks if theyre available and spread gravel or good soil on top of those. Brief sections are paved but the majority is doubletrack with rock and roots. Patriot path il rte 7 bike path russell rd intersections kilbournekenoshalewis. Lake accotink park a relatively flat biking and jogging trail circles lake accotink, with offshoots that include a 2. Lake accotink is a reservoir in north springfield in fairfax county, virginia, united states.
Lake accotink park map and directions reston paths. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for. Plan your hike at lake accotink network or other springfield, virginia hiking trails. There are a couple of steep, but short climbs on the trail. Lake accotink trails park authority fairfax county. From the cross county trail cct, this path crosses accotink creek, then heads south, paralleling danbury forest drive to the gas compression station along rolling road and the dam at lake accotink. On march 14, 2020, lake accotink neighbors walked togehter to evaluate the proposed.